Directions: Read and take notes on the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.
[1] Columbus, the Indians, and Human Progress
Adapted from A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn (p. 1-2).
Arawak women and men, naked, yellowish-skinned, and full of wonder, came out from their villages onto the island’s beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. (1)When Columbus and his sailors came ashore, carrying swords, speaking oddly, the Arawaks ran to greet them, brought them food, water, and gifts. (2)Columbus later wrote of this in his journal:
(3) They brought us parrots and balls of cotton and pearl and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks’ bells. They willingly traded everything they owned… They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features… They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spear’s are made of cane…They would make fine servants…With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.
These Arawaks of the Bahama Islands were much like Indians on the mainland, who were remarkable for their hospitality and belief in sharing. (4) These traits did not stand out in the Europe of the Renaissance, which was dominated as it was by the religion of popes, the government of kings, the rage for money that marked Western civilization and its first messenger to the Americas, Christopher Columbus. Columbus wrote:
(5) As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts.
During his visit, the information that Columbus wanted most was this: Where is the gold? He had persuaded the king and queen of Spain to pay for an expedition (or trip) to the lands and the wealth he expected would be on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – the East Indies and Asia, gold and spices. In return for bringing back gold and spices, they promised Columbus 10 percent of the profits, governorship over the new lands, and the fame from a new title: Admiral of the Ocean Sea. He set out with three sailing ships – the largest which was the Santa Maria, perhaps 100 feet long – and thirty-nine crew members aboard.
Like the other educated people of his time, Columbus knew the world was round, and that he could travel East. However, he imagined the world to be very small. He would have never made it to Asia- it was thousands of miles further than he thought. But he was lucky, when thirty-three days after leaving, a sailor named Rodrigo spotted land. However, Columbus lied and said that he saw the land first, so Rodrigo would not get the “first to find land” reward.
I. Simple Sentences: identifying subjects & verbs
IV. Short answer – Today is Columbus Day, and it is a federal holiday where many government agencies and schools get a day off to remember and honor Christopher Columbus. Based on what you’ve read so far, do you believe we should take the day off to honor him? Why or why not? Answer in at least 3 sentences.